Reproducing apparatus

ABSTRACT

In a reproducing apparatus of the present invention, an input audio signal is divided into bands and an envelope value of each band is measured. Based on a change of the envelope value, a predetermined sound source is superimposed. Further, according to the envelope value of a reproduced audio signal, a tempo of reproduced music is detected and animation representation is changed in synchronism with the detected tempo. Further, a rhythm box is reproduced in synchronism with the detected tempo and a sound field is automatically selected corresponding to the detected tempo to perform synthesization.

This application is a divisional application of Ser. No. 09/236,073filed on Jan. 25, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,463,014.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a reproducing apparatus in which, forexample, a predetermined sound source is superimposed according to areproduced audio signal level, a tempo of a reproduced music is detectedaccording to an envelope of the reproduced audio signal to changeanimation representation in synchronism with the detected tempo, arhythm box is reproduced in synchronism with the detected tempo and asound field is automatically selected and synthesized corresponding tothe detected tempo.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, an audio system including a compact disc (hereinafterreferred to as CD: registered mark) player, a mini disc (hereinafterreferred to as MD: registered mark) player, a recorder, a tuner, anamplifier, a speaker and the like has been known.

In such an audio system, when an audio signal recorded in the CD or MDis reproduced, usually, a user himself/herself plays a rhythm box or adrum pad and mixes that produced rhythm with a reproduced audio signalto perform the reproduction.

In the conventional audio system, the audio signal recorded in the CD orMD is divided into a plurality of bands and levels thereof are indicatedin a belt-like form on a liquid crystal display.

The above mentioned belt-like level indication is generally carried outin a so-called spectrum analyzer style, in which the audio electricsignal is divided into respective frequency bands and an amplitude ofeach frequency band is indicated by level so as to make it possible tosee a basic wave of the waveform, distribution and amplitude of harmoniccomponents on a display screen.

However, first, the conventional audio system has a problem that sincethe user himself mixes a sound from a rhythm box or a drum pad with areproduced audio signal by his operation, the rhythm may deviate andfurther the sound from the rhythm box or drum pad cannot be mixed withevery genre of music.

Secondly, a conventional reproduction apparatus has a problem thatbecause the spectrum analyzer indication thereof can only indicate aninstantaneous sound level, an interactive indication corresponding to amusic genre is impossible.

Thirdly, because the user himself mixes a sound from a rhythm box or adrum pad with a reproduced audio signal by his operation, if the tempoof audio sound to be reproduced signal is changed, it is difficult tofollow that change. Further, because it is difficult for the user torecognize the tempo of reproduced music, it is very hard for him to mixa sound from the rhythm box or drum pad corresponding to the musictempo.

Fourthly, because the user has to determine the genre of audio sound tobe reproduced himself and set its original sound field by a complicatedmanual operation, an optimum sound field cannot be always setcorresponding to every genre of music.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, to solve the first problem described above, an object ofthe present invention is to provide a reproducing apparatus capable ofmixing a sound from a rhythm box or a drum pad to meet every genre ofmusic.

To achieve the above object, from a first aspect of the invention, thereis provided a reproducing apparatus comprising: a band dividing meansfor dividing an input audio signal to a plurality of bands; an envelopedetecting means for detecting an envelope value at each band divided bythe band dividing means; a first memory means for holding an envelopevalue detected by the envelope detecting means for each band; a secondmemory means for holding the envelope value stored in the first memorymeans by shift in time series; an operation means for calculating adifference value between a previous envelope value held in the secondmemory means and a present envelope value held by the first memory meansat every band; a sound source generating means for generating aplurality of effect sounds; and a sound source generation control meansfor switching a sound source generated by the sound source generatingmeans based on the difference value calculated by the operation means.

Further, to solve the second problem described above, an object of thepresent invention is to provide a reproducing apparatus capable ofdisplaying interactively corresponding to every genre of music. Toachieve the above object, from a second aspect of the invention, thereis provided a reproducing apparatus comprising: a band dividing meansfor dividing an input audio signal to a plurality of bands; an envelopedetecting means for detecting an envelope value at every band divided bythe band dividing means; a first memory means for holding an envelopevalue detected by the envelope detecting means at every band; a secondmemory means for holding the envelope value stored in the first memorymeans by shift in time series; an operation means for calculating adifference value between a present envelope value stored in the firstmemory means and a previous envelope value stored in the second memorymeans at every band; an image memory means for storing a plurality ofdisplay patterns; a display means for displaying a display pattern readout from the image memory means; and an image memory means control meansfor switching a display pattern generated from the image memory meansbased on a difference value calculated by the operation means.

Still further, to solve the third problem described above, an object ofthe present invention is to provide a reproducing apparatus in which amixing of a sound from a rhythm box or a drum box corresponding to musicof every genre is possible. To achieve the above object from a thirdaspect of the invention, there is provided a reproducing apparatuscomprising: a band dividing means for dividing an input audio signal toa plurality of bands; an envelope detecting means for detecting anenvelope value at every band divided by the band dividing means; a firstmemory means for holding an envelope value detected by the envelopedetecting means at every band; a second memory means for holding anenvelope value stored in the first memory means by shift in time series;an operation means for calculating a difference value between a presentenvelope value stored in the first memory means and a previous envelopevalue stored in the second memory means at every band; a tempo measuringmeans for measuring a tempo based on the difference value calculated bythe operation means; a rhythm sound source generating means forgenerating a plurality of kinds of rhythm patterns; a synthesizing meansfor synthesizing the input audio signal with a rhythm pattern generatedby the rhythm sound source generating means; and a rhythm sound sourcegeneration control means for synchronizing a rhythm sound sourcegenerated from the rhythm sound source generating means with the inputaudio signal based on the tempo information measured from the tempomeasuring means.

Still further, to solve the fourth problem described above, an object ofthe invention is to provide a reproducing apparatus in which a soundfield is automatically set corresponding to every genre of music.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an appearance perspective view of a reproducing apparatuswhich is applied to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a reproducingapparatus to which applied is the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an operation of the reproducing apparatusof a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a table showing an example of tone generated by a sound sourcegenerating apparatus 16 of the reproducing apparatus according to theembodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an operation of the reproducing apparatusaccording to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a display pattern to be displayed on a display portion 14of the reproducing apparatus according to the second embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an operation of the reproducing apparatusaccording to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an operation of the reproducing apparatusaccording to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an operation of the reproducing apparatusaccording to the third and fourth embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 10A shows a timing chart of rhythm synchronization in a case when areproduced sound is made earlier than expected in the third embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 10B shows a timing chart of rhythm synchronization in a case whenthe reproduced sound is made later than expected in the third embodimentof the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a cyclic detection of a pattern of thereproducing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the presentinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be describedin the following items.

1. Description of block diagrams according to the first to fourthembodiments of the present invention

2. Description of operations of the first to fourth embodiments of thepresent invention

3. Description of a process procedure according to the first embodimentof the present invention

4. Description of a process procedure according to the second embodimentof the present invention

5. Description of the process procedure according to the thirdembodiment of the present invention

6. Description of the process procedure according to the fourthembodiment of the present invention

7. Rhythm synchronizing procedure according to the third and fourthembodiments of the present invention

8. Description of an operation for rhythm synchronization according tothe present invention

9. Description of an operation for detecting a cyclic pattern accordingto the present invention

1. Description of Block Diagrams According to the First to FourthEmbodiments of the Present Invention

First, a configuration of a reproducing apparatus according to thisembodiment will be described with reference to an appearance perspectiveview shown in FIG. 1.

In FIG. 1, the reproducing apparatus comprises a CD/MD deck operatingunit 40 capable of operating a CD and MD for reproducing, a tuneroperating unit 41 capable of receiving an FM radio broadcasting, anamplifier operating unit 42 capable of amplifying an audio signal, andspeakers 43, 44 for converting an audio signal amplified by an amplifierto a sound, and reproduces an audio signal recorded in the CD or MD. TheCD/MD operating unit 40, the tuner operating unit 41, and amplifieroperating unit 42 are incorporated in the same case.

Specifically, according to the first embodiment of the presentinvention, a particular tempo is detected from a difference value of anenvelope value of a reproduced audio signal and a sound source generatedby a sound source generating means is automatically switchedcorresponding to the particular tempo, so as to automaticallysuperimpose a sound in correspondence to or match with a reproducedmusic.

Specifically, according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention, a display unit 45 executes not only a similar display to aspectrum analyzer in which an audio signal recorded in the CD or MD isdivided into a plurality of bands and a belt-like display is carried outcorresponding to the level of the audio signal, but also correspondingto a music reproduced by the CD/MD operating unit 40 or the tuneroperating unit 41 via a speaker, displays a violent motion animation ifa strong beat music is produced, for example, and on the contrary,displays a slow motion animation if a mild music like a ballad isproduced, thereby automatically switching the animation displayaccording to genre.

Further, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, aparticular tempo is detected from a difference value of an envelopevalue of a reproduced audio signal and a rhythm is generated by a rhythmgenerator corresponding to the particular tempo, so as to automaticallysuperimpose a rhythm in correspondence to a reproduced music.

Further, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, aparticular tempo and a cyclic property are detected from a differencevalue of an envelope value of a reproduced audio signal and a music isrecognized according to this tempo and cyclic property so as to controlthe reproduced sound so that an optimum sound field is automaticallysecured corresponding to the reproduced music.

Next, a block diagram showing a configuration of a reproducing apparatusof the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, the reproducing apparatusof the embodiment has a reproducing means 1 for reproducing an audiosignal recorded in the CD or MD so as to output an analog audio signal.The reproducing means 1 corresponds to the reproducing apparatus shownin FIG. 1. The reproducing apparatus of the embodiment comprises bandpass filters BPF 2-1(125 Hz), BPF 2-2(500 Hz), BPF 2-3 (2 kHz), BPF 2-4(8 kHz) for dividing the analog audio signal into four bands, envelopedetecting circuits 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, 3-4 each for detecting an envelope ofeach band, A/D conversion circuits 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4 each forconverting the analog audio signal which has been subjected to theenvelope detection into a digital value, and operation circuits 5-1,5-2, 5-3, 5-4 each for calculating a difference value between a previoussampling value and a present sampling value from a digital value.

The operation circuit 5-1 comprises a register 5-1-3 for storing aprevious sampling value, a register 5-1-2 for storing a present samplingvalue and a difference operation circuit 5-1-1 for calculating adifference value between a previous sampling value stored in theregister 5-1-3 and a present sampling value stored in the register5-1-2. A latch signal is supplied from a CPU 6 to the register 5-1-2 anda reset signal is supplied to the register 5-1-3 from the CPU 6 wheneach sampling is terminated. Although not shown, the operation circuits5-2, 5-3, 5-4 have the same configuration as the operation circuit 5-1,that is, each comprising a register for storing a previous samplingvalue, a register for storing a present sampling value and a differenceoperation circuit for calculating a difference between the previoussampling value stored in the register and the present sampling valuestored in the register.

The reproducing apparatus of the embodiment has the CPU 6 forcontrolling sampling operations and calculating operations from the bandpass filters BPF 2-1 (125 Hz), BPF 2-2 (500 Hz), BPF 2-3 (2 kHz), BPF2-4 (8 kHz), through the envelope detecting circuits 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, 3-4,and the A/D conversion circuits 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4 to the operationcircuits 5-1, 5-2, 5-3, 5-4 and subsequent stage circuits, andparticularly for performing control so as to measure a tempo of musicfrom a difference value and superimpose a sound source generated from asound source generator 16 which will be described later onto areproduced audio signal by a voice synthesizer 20.

Further, the reproducing apparatus of the embodiment comprises aspectrum analysis/animation select key 7 for selecting which spectrumanalyzer display or animation display corresponding to music will beexecuted on a display unit which will be described later on, a toneselect key 8 for selecting a tone to be superimposed on a reproducedsound which will be described later, a random select key 9 for selectingat random superimposing of sound on a sound source or a reproduced soundfrom a rhythm box which will be described later, a tempo measuring key10 for starting measuring of the tempo of the reproduced sound bymeasuring difference values by the operation circuits 5-1, 5-2, 5-3,5-4, and a rhythm superimposing start key 11 for starting superimposingof the sound on the sound source or reproduced sound of the rhythm boxwhich will be described later.

The tone to be superimposed by the tone select key 8 includes apercussion instrument sound 30, an effect sound 31, a voice sound 32 andthe like as shown in FIG. 4. The percussion instrument sound includes,as drum sound, tight kick, loose snare, open/close hihat, low/high tom,side stick, and as Latin percussion instrument sound, hand clap,open/close conga, cabasa, claves, low/high cowbell, tambourin, technokick, low/high whistle, scratch.

Some percussion instrument sounds 30 contain two kinds of sounds, namelyhigh and low which are of the same tone. Further, some percussioninstrument sounds 30 contain two kinds of sounds, open sound and closesound which are of the same tone. Further, the effect sound 31 includepunch, beep, squeal, and clush. Further, the voice sounds include 32 ha,go, hey, aoh, shout, yeah, hooo, yah and sexy.

Further, the reproducing apparatus of the embodiment comprises a displayunit control means 12 for controlling display on the display unit, animage pattern memory (read only memory ROM) 13 for storing various imagepatterns to be displayed on the display unit, and the display unit(fluorescent display tube FL: Fluorescent character display tube/liquidcrystal device LCD: Liquid crystal display) 14 for displaying ananimation corresponding to a music. A range in which the animation canbe displayed on the display unit is, for example, 11 dots horizontally×7dots vertically and one color of three colors can be displayed accordingto the position of each dot.

Further, the reproducing apparatus of the embodiment comprises a soundsource selecting device 15 for selecting a sound to be superimposed on areproduced sound, a sound source generating device 16 for generating asound to be superimposed on a reproduced sound, a rhythm box selectingdevice 17 for selecting a rhythm to be superimposed on a reproducedsound, and a rhythm generator 18 for generating a rhythm to besuperimposed on the reproduced sound.

Further, the reproducing apparatus of the embodiment comprises a soundsource DSP (digital signal processor) 19 for controlling a sound fieldrelative to an analog audio signal based on a control signal suppliedfrom the CPU 6, a sound synthesizer 20 for synthesizing a sound or arhythm to be superimposed on the reproduced sound, a switch 21 (SW1) forselectively switching a sound from the sound source generating device 16or a rhythm from the rhythm generator 18 based on a control signalsupplied from the CPU 6 to be supplied to the sound synthesizer 20, aswitch 22 (SW2) for selectively switching a sound field control outputfrom the sound source DSP 19 and the sound from the sound synthesizer 20or a rhythm synthesizing output based on a control signal supplied fromthe CPU 6 and outputting it, and a speaker 23 for converting an electricsignal to a sound and reproducing a music.

2. Description of Operations of the First-fourth Embodiments of thePresent Invention

An operation of the reproducing apparatus according to the first-fourthembodiments thus configured will be described with reference to a blockdiagram of FIG. 2.

In FIG.2, the reproducing means 1 reproduces an audio signal recorded ina CD or MD and outputs an analog audio signal. The analog audio signaloutput from the reproducing means 1 is supplied to band pass filters BPF2-1 (125 Hz), BPF 2-2 (500 Hz), BPF 2-3 (2 kHz), BPF 2-4 (8 kHz). Theband pass filters BPF 2-1 (125 Hz),BPF 2-2 (500 Hz), BPF 2-3 (2 kHz),BPF2-4 (8 kHz) each divide the analog audio signal into four bands. Here,each frequency of four bands of the band pass filters BPF 2-1 (125 Hz),2-2 (500 Hz), 2-3 (2 kHz), 2-4 (8 kHz) is a center frequency of thatband. A band pass action of the four bands is of resonant cavity typeand the value of Q expressing a sharpness of the resonance is 1.

Analog audio signals respectively divided into the four bands aresupplied to the envelope detecting circuits 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, 3-4,respectively. The envelope detecting circuits 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, 3-4 detectenvelope values of the signals of the respective bands, respectively.The envelope values of the analog audio signals which have beenenvelope-detected are supplied to the A/D conversion circuits 4-1, 4-2,4-3, 4-4, respectively. The A/D conversion circuits 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4convert the envelope values to digital values, respectively. The digitalvalues are supplied to the operation circuits 5-1, 5-2, 5-3, 5-4,respectively. The operation circuits 5-1, 5-2, 5-3, 5-4 calculatedifference values between the previous sampling values and the presentsampling values from these digital values, respectively.

Specifically, the operation circuit 5-1 operates as follows. Theregister 5-1-3 stores the previous sampling value. The register 5-1-2stores the present sampling value. The difference operation circuit5-1-1 calculates a difference value between the previous sampling valuestored in the register 5-1-3 and the present sampling value stored inthe register 5-1-2. Although not shown, the operation circuits 5-2, 5-3,5-4 operate in the same manner as the operation circuit 5-1, namely,when n=2-4, the register 5-n-3 stores the previous sampling value andthe register 5-n-2 stores the present sampling value and then thedifference operation circuit 5-n-1 calculates a difference value betweenthe previous sampling value stored in the register 5-n-3 and the presentsampling value stored in the register 5-n-2.

In this way, the difference value of each envelope value of the audiosignal can be obtained. By obtaining the difference value of eachsampling value in this way, a differential value which is a degree ofchange of the envelope value can be obtained. That is, by detecting apredetermined pattern of the difference value, a constant pattern whichis repeated in an audio signal can be obtained.

Further, by obtaining the difference value of each sampling value, adifferential value which is a degree of change of the envelope value canbe obtained. That is, by detecting a specified pattern of the differencevalue, a constant pattern which is repeated in an audio signal can beobtained. Further, by detecting a predetermined cyclic pattern of thedifference value, a specific cyclic pattern which is repeated in the anaudio signal can be obtained.

Also the CPU 6 controls the sampling operations and the calculatingoperations from the band pass filters BPF 2-1 (125 Hz), 2-2 (500 Hz),2-3 (2 kHz), 2-4 (8 kHz) though the envelope detecting circuits 3-1,3-2, 3-3, 3-4 and the A/D conversion circuits 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4 to theoperation circuits 5-1, 5-2, 5-3, 5-4 and controls subsequent stagecircuits, and particularly in the first embodiment, it measures a musictempo from the difference value so as to control that a sound sourcegenerated from the sound source generating device 16 corresponding tothe tempo is superimposed on the reproduced audio signal by the soundsynthesizer 20. A specific control method will be described later withreference to a flow chart of FIG. 3.

Further, particularly in the second embodiment, the CPU 6 measures amusic tempo from the difference value measured as above so as to controlthe animation display on the display unit 14 corresponding to themeasured tempo. A specific control method will be described later withreference to a flow chart of FIG. 5.

Further, particularly in the third embodiment, the CPU 6 measures amusic tempo from the difference value so as to control that a rhythmgenerated from the rhythm generator 18 corresponding to the tempo issuperimposed on the reproduced audio signal by the sound synthesizer 20in synchronism therewith. A specific control method will be describedlater with reference to a flow chart of FIG. 7.

Further, particularly in the fourth embodiment, the CPU 6 measures atempo and a cyclic property of music from the difference value measuredas above so as to recognize the kind of the music according to themeasured tempo and cyclic property and controls the sound source DSP 19to add a sound field corresponding to the music to the reproducedsignal. A specific control method will be described later with referenceto a flow chart of FIG. 8.

The tempo measuring key 10 enables the CPU 6 to measure a tempo of thereproduced sound by measuring of the difference value by the operationcircuits 5-1, 5-2, 5-3, 5-4. Specifically, if a user presses the tempomeasuring key 10, for example, an orange light emission diode providedon a surface of the key blinks and the CPU 6 starts measuring the tempoof music being reproduced. After a predetermined sampling time, forexample, the aforementioned 20 msec elapse, if the measuring iscompleted, a green light emission diode lights up and a sound sourcegenerated in the display unit 14 from the sound source generating device16 corresponding to the music can be superimposed on the reproducedaudio signal by the sound synthesizer 20 in synchronism therewith.Therefore, at the same time when the tempo measuring key 10 is pressed,the tempo of music is measured and the user can confirm that acorresponding sound source is superimposed on the reproduced audiosignal audibly.

Further, it is permissible to identify the kind of music by theaforementioned tempo measurement and change the sound source to besuperimposed on the reproduced audio signal by recognizing the kind ofmusic.

Also, the display portion control means 12 controls display operation ofthe display unit 14 based on a control signal from the CPU 6. The imagepattern memory (ROM) 13 stores various image patterns to be displayed onthe display unit 14.

FIG. 6 shows an example of display according to the second embodiment ofthe present invention. In FIG. 6, an image pattern 30 indicates a smallfireworks shot-off, an image pattern 31 indicates a large fireworks shotoff and an image pattern 32 indicates a falling condition of shotfireworks, respectively.

By storing these image patterns 30 to 32 in the image pattern memory(ROM) 13 in advance and supplying the same corresponding to the tempo ofmusic to update the display unit 14 to thereby update the display, ananimation corresponding to the music can be displayed.

Each of the patterns 30 to 32 is constituted of data corresponding to 11dots horizontally×7 dots vertically which is a range of the displayunit, capable of displaying an animation. Depending on the position ofeach dot, one color of three colors, red, orange, and blue is displayed.

Meanwhile, this pattern is only an example, and it is needless to saythat the other animation display may be used.

The spectrum analyzer/animation select key 7 enables to select whichspectrum analyzer display or animation display corresponding to music isto be made on the display unit 14. Usually, the initial settingcondition is an animation selecting condition. If a user presses thespectrum analysis/animation select key 7, the display is switched to thespectrum analyzer display. If the spectrum analysis/animation select key7 is pressed again, the display is switched to the animation selectioncondition.

As described above, the tone select key 8 enables selection of the toneof the reproduced sound. If the user presses the tone select key 8, thesound source selecting device 15 selects a sound to be superimposed onthe reproduced sound based on a control signal from the CPU 6. The soundsource generating device 16 generates a sound selected so as to besuperimposed on the reproduced sound.

The rhythm superimposing start key 11 starts superimposing a sound on asound source or a sound reproduced by a rhythm box. If the user pressesthe rhythm superimposing start key 11, the rhythm box selecting device17 selects a rhythm to be superimposed on the reproduced sound based ona control signal from the CPU 6. The rhythm generator 18 generates arhythm to be superimposed on the reproduced sound.

As described above, the random select key 9 enables selecting a sound tobe superimposed on a sound source or a sound reproduced by the rhythmbox at random. If the user presses the random select key 9, the soundsource selecting device 15 or the rhythm box selecting device 17 selectsa sound source or a rhythm to be superimposed on the reproduced soundbased on a control signal from the CPU 6.

The sound source DSP 19 controls a sound field for the analog audiosignal based on a control signal supplied from the CPU 6. The analogaudio signal which has been subjected to sound field control is suppliedto the sound synthesizer 20.

The switch 21 (SW1) selectively switches a sound from the sound sourcegenerating device 16 or a rhythm from the rhythm generator 18 based on acontrol signal supplied from the CPU 6 and supplies the same to thesound synthesizer 20. The sound synthesizer 20 synthesizes a sound or arhythm to be superimposed on the reproduced sound.

The switch 22 (SW2) selectively switches a sound field control outputfrom the sound source DSP 19 and a sound or rhythm synthesizing outputfrom the sound synthesizer 20 based on the control signal supplied fromthe CPU 6 and outputs the same. The speaker 23 converts an electricsignal to a sound so as to reproduce a music.

3. Description of a Process Procedure According to the First Embodimentof the Present Invention

Here, an operation of the CPU 6 relating to the first embodiment will bedescribed with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 3.

In FIG. 3, after the process starts, sampling is carried out at step S1.To be concrete, envelope values are sampled so as to carry out A/Dconversion in the A/D conversion circuits 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4. Timeperiod required for this sampling is 5 msec for 1 band, and 20 msec forfour bands. At step S2, A/D values are read. Specifically, digitalenvelope values which have been subjected to A/D conversion at the A/Dconversion circuits 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4 are read. At step S3, adifference relative to the previous time is read. Practically,difference values calculated by the operation circuits 5-1, 5-2, 5-3,5-4 are read.

A determination is made as to whether or not the previous mask settingtime has passed at step S4. To be concrete, when a sound sourcegenerated from the sound source generating device 16 is superimposed onthe reproduced signal by the sound synthesizer 20, of time intervals ofthe sound source to be superimposed, a minute time interval that theuser cannot feel is set as an insensitive (mask) setting time. Then, ifthe mask setting time does not elapse, the process is terminated. If themask setting time elapses, each process of steps S5-S10 is carried out.

When the mask setting time elapses at step S4, the process proceeds tostep S5, at which a determination is made as to whether or not adifference value is a quite large value. Specifically, whether or notthe difference value is more than 10 dB is determined. When thedifference value is a quite large value at step S5, the process proceedsto step S6, at which a first mask time setting is carried out.Specifically, the mask setting time at step S4 is set to relativelylong, for example, 500 msec.

Then, the process proceeds to step S9, at which whether or notgeneration of a sound source is set to be selected by a random number isdetermined. Specifically, when the user presses the random select key 9,it is determined that generation of a sound source is set to be selectedby the random number and then a control signal for selecting a soundsource by the random number is supplied from the CPU 6 to the soundsource selecting device 15. Then, based on the control signal forselecting a sound source by this random number, the sound sourcegenerating device 16 generates a sound source based on the randomnumber. This random number uses, for example, a running timer of the CPU6. The CPU 6 generates a control signal corresponding to a value ofremainder produced when timer time T of the running timer when therandom select key 9 is pressed is divided by 29, so as to select anallocated sound source.

If generation of a sound source is set to be selected by the randomnumber at step S9, the process proceeds to step S10, in which generationof the sound source is set based on the random number. To be concrete,the CPU 6 supplies a control signal for selecting the sound source tothe sound source selecting device 15 and then, based on the controlsignal for selecting a sound source by this random number, the soundsource generating device 16 generates a sound source based on the randomnumber.

When at step S9, generation of a sound source is not set to be selectedby the random number and when at step S10, generation of the soundsource is set based on the random number, the process proceeds to stepS11. Then, a percussion instrument sound is made at step S11.

Specifically, the sound synthesizer 20 superimposes a sound sourcegenerated, based on the random number, from the sound source generatingdevice 16 on the reproduced audio signal. As a result, for example, thepercussion instrument sound is superimposed on the reproduced music andoutput from the speaker 23.

If at step S5, the difference value is not quite a large value, theprocess proceeds to step S7, at which whether or not the differencevalue is a little large value is determined. Specifically, whether ornot the difference value is, for example, more than 6 dB is determined.If at step S7, the difference value is a little large value, the processproceeds to step S8, at which the second mask time is set. To beconcrete, the mask setting time at step S4 is set to relatively short,for example, 250 msec. Then, the process proceeds to step S9, at whichthe same determination and process as step S9 to S11 are carried out.

If at step S7, the difference value is not a little large value andafter the percussion instrument sound is made at step S11, the processproceeds to step S12, at which the present A/D value is stored.Specifically, the stored digital envelope value is processed so as to beused for a difference at a next sampling time and then the process isterminated.

As described above, when a user listens to a music by reproducing anaudio signal, a tempo of the music is measured according to an obtaineddifference value and a sound source generated by the sound sourcegenerating means is switched with, for example, a rising time of theenvelope value or the like as a trigger in accordance with the tempo ofthe music, so as to automatically superimpose a sound on the reproducedmusic. Thus, it is possible to reproduce a music which the user is usedto listen in a different fashion. Further, because the sound issuperimposed corresponding to the reproduced music rhythm, rhythm can bestressed about every kind of music, so that every music can bereproduced like dance music.

4. Description of a Process Procedure According to the Second Embodimentof the Present Invention

An operation of the CPU 6 according to the second embodiment will bedescribed with reference to a flow chart shown in FIG. 5. Comparing FIG.3 with FIG. 5, because steps S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S7, S12 of FIG. 3 whichare the first embodiment correspond to steps S21, S22, S23, S24, S25,S27, S30 of FIG. 5 which are the second embodiment, a detaileddescription thereof is omitted.

When the difference value is a quite large value at step S25, theprocess proceeds to step S26, at which a first mask time setting iscarried out. Specifically, the mask setting time at step S24 is set torelatively long, for example, 500 msec.

Then, the process proceeds to step S29, in which an image of animationdisplayed on the display unit 14 is updated. Specifically, the image ofanimation displayed on the display portion 14 is updated successively ateach sampling, for example, with 170 images.

If at step S25, the difference value is not a quite large value, theprocess proceeds to step S27, at which whether or not the differencevalue is a little large value is determined. To be concrete, whether ornot the difference value is, for example, more than 6 dB is determined.If at step S27, the difference value is a little large value, theprocess proceeds to step S28, at which the second mask time is set.Specifically, the mask setting time at step S24 is set to relativelyshort, for example, 250 msec. Then, the process proceeds to step S29, atwhich an image of animation displayed on the display unit 14 is updatedwith another image.

If at step S27, the difference value is not a little large value andafter an image of animation is updated at step S29, the process proceedsto step S30, at which the present A/D value is stored.

As described above, when the user listens to a music by reproducing anaudio signal, by measuring a tempo of the music according to an obtaineddifference value, an animation image can be updated successively anddisplayed on the display unit 14 with, for example, a rising time of theenvelope value or the like as a trigger in accordance with the tempo ofthe music. Thus, it is possible to visually appeal dynamism of music tothe user.

5. Description of the Process Procedure According to the ThirdEmbodiment of the Present Invention

Here, an operation of the CPU 6 according to the third embodiment of thepresent invention will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

Comparing FIG. 3 with FIG. 7, because steps S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S12 ofFIG. 3 which are the first embodiment correspond to steps S31, S32, S33,S34, S38 of FIG. 7 which are the third embodiment, a detaileddescription thereof is omitted.

When the difference value is larger than a value which was latchedprevious time at step S35, the process proceeds to step S36, at whichfirst mask time setting is carried out. Specifically, the mask time of100 msec, for example, is set.

Then, the process proceeds to step S37, at which an interval relative tothe previous time is stored. Specifically, when the user presses thetempo measuring key 10, the CPU 6 measures an interval between theprevious and the present time at every sampling time and stores thevalues in a memory in succession and accumulates. As a result, the CPU 6measures the tempo of music from the interval of the sound. When theuser presses the rhythm superimposing start key 11, the CPU 6 detects atempo of music from the interval of sound. Depending on the abovedetected tempo, a control signal for making the rhythm generator 18 toproduce a rhythm is generated.

If the interval relative to the previous time is stored at step S37, therhythm generator 18 generates a rhythm according to the control signalproduced corresponding to the measured tempo. Specifically, the soundsynthesizer 20 superimposes a rhythm generated from the rhythm generator18 in synchronism with the reproduced sound on a reproduced audio signalin synchronism therewith at each sampling time. Consequently, forexample, a drum rhythm selected by the rhythm box selecting device 17 issuperimposed on the reproduced music and the synthesized music is outputfrom the speaker 23.

If the interval relative to the previous time is stored at step S37 orif the difference value is not larger than the previous time at stepS35, the process proceeds to step S38, at which the current A/D value isstored. Specifically, the stored digital envelope value is processed soas to be used as difference at a next sampling time.

As described above, when the user listens to a music by reproducing anaudio signal, a tempo of the music is measured according to an obtaineddifference value and a rhythm is generated by the rhythm generator 18with, for example, a rising time of the envelope value or the like as atrigger in accordance with the tempo of the music, so as toautomatically superimpose the rhythm on a first beat of the reproducedmusic. Thus, by automatically superimposing the rhythm corresponding tothe reproduced music, the rhythm can be stressed in every kind of music,so that every music can be reproduced like dance music.

6. Description of the Process Procedure According to the FourthEmbodiment of the Present Invention

Here, an operation of the CPU 6 according to the fourth embodiment ofthe present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

Comparing FIG. 7 with FIG. 8, because steps S31, S32, S33, S34, S35, S38of FIG. 7 which are the third embodiment correspond to steps S41, S42,S43, S44, S45, S48 of FIG. 8 which are the fourth embodiment, a detaileddescription thereof is omitted.

When the difference value is larger than a value which latched previoustime at step S45, the process proceeds to step S46, in which a mask timesetting is carried out. Specifically, the mask time of 100 msec is set.

Then, the process proceeds to step S47, at which an interval relative tothe previous time is stored. To be concrete, when the user presses thetempo measuring key 10, the CPU 6 measures an interval between theprevious time and the present time at each sampling time and stores thevalues in a memory in succession. As a result, the CPU 6 measures thetempo of music from the interval of the sound. When the user presses thesound field setting key (not shown), the CPU 6 detects the cyclicproperty of music from the interval of the music so as to determine thekind of the sound according to the tempo and cyclic property. Dependingon the kind of music, a control signal for controlling adding of thesound field in the sound source DSP 19 is generated from the CPU 6.

After the interval relative to the previous time is stored at step S47,the sound field in the sound source DSP 19 is controlled according tothe kind of music based on the measured tempo and cyclic property atevery sampling. Specifically, at each sampling time, the CPU 6 detectsthe tempo and cyclic property of the music from the sound interval anddetermines the kind of the music based on the tempo and cyclic propertymeasured. Then, the CPU 6 supplies a control signal for controlling thesound field in the sound source DSP 19 according to the kind of themusic to the sound source DSP 19.

According to this embodiment, the sound source DSP 19 is constituted ofa graphic equalizer (GEQ: Graphic Equalizer). The graphic equalizerdivides the audible frequency band of the reproduced audio signal intoseveral bands and changes the preset value based on the control signalso as to adjust the level independently at each band, thereby adding thesound field according to the kind of music. Further, according to thisembodiment, the sound source DSP 19 may add a sound field effect bychanging a preset value based on the control signal so as to adjust thelevel by sound or may add a sound field effect of a concert hall ortheater famous in sound effect by switching the preset value of thefilter based on the control signal.

When the interval relative to the previous time is stored at step S47and the difference value is not larger than the previous time at stepS45, the process proceeds to step S48, at which the current A/D value isstored. Specifically, the stored digital envelope value is processed soas to be used as the difference at the next sampling time and then, theprocess is terminated.

As described above, when the user listens to a music by reproducing anaudio signal, a tempo and a cyclic property of the music are measuredaccording to an obtained difference value and the kind of the music isrecognized according to the tempo and cyclic property. In the music DSP19, for example, with a rising time of the envelope value or the like asa trigger in accordance with the music, a sound field of reproducedsound is controlled. Thus, a sound field can be automatically added intime to the first beat of the reproduced music. Thus, by adding a soundfield corresponding to the reproduced music, any music can be reproducedwith the optimum sound field.

7. Rhythm Synchronizing Procedure According to the Third and FourthEmbodiments of the Present Invention

Next, an operation of rhythm synchronism of the CPU 6 which is a base ondetection of the tempo and cyclic property will be described withreference to a flow chart of FIG. 9.

In FIG. 9, after startup, interval=initial value and the maximum numberof fittings=0 are set at step S51. Specifically, the sound interval isset to 100 to 200 msec which is the initial value and the maximum numberof fittings for indicating a maximum value of times in which the soundinterval is in an allowable range is set to 0. As for the sound, a valueBPM (Beet Per Minute) which is a value of integer times (×n) ofsixteenth note with a reference is obtained and then a value of theinteger times thereof is searched. In case of the sixteenth note, 99%fitting arises under BPM=100 to 160 and the sound interval at this timeis 100 to 200 msec.

At step S52, the number of interval buffers i for storing the intervalis set to 0 and the number of fittings is set to 0. Specifically, thevalue of the interval buffer capable of storing up to 32 sound intervalsis cleared to reset the number of fittings.

At step S53, a determination is made as to whether or not the value ofthe interval buffer [i] is interval×n±error. Specifically, whether ornot the sound interval is within an allowable range of integer timessixteenth note is determined. If the value of interval buffer [i] iswithin interval×n±error at step S53, the process proceeds to step S54,at which 1 is added to the number of fittings. To be concrete, thenumber of fittings is incremented. Then, the process proceeds to stepS55, in which i+1 is set. Specifically, the number [i] of the 32interval buffers is incremented.

At next step S56, a determination is made as to whether or not i<thenumber of buffers is right. If i<the number of buffers is right at stepS56, the process proceeds to step S57, and if i<the number of buffers isnot right at step S56, the process returns to step S53. Specifically,until the number i of the interval buffers reaches 32, thedeterminations and processes of steps S53 to S56 are repeated. If i<thenumber of buffers is right at step S56, the process proceeds to stepS57, at which a determination is made as to whether or not the number offittings has reached the maximum of the past.

If the number of fittings has reached the maximum of the past at stepS57, the maximum number of fittings=the number of fittings, optimuminterval=interval are set at step S58. Specifically, a value of themaximum number of fittings indicating the maximum of times in which thesound interval is within an allowable range is substituted by a value ofthe number of fittings. At this time, 99% fitting arises under BPM=100to 160 which is a value integer times (×n) of the sixteenth note. Thesound interval at this time is 100 to 200 msec.

At step S59, 1 is added to the interval. Specifically, the interval isincremented by 1 and the process proceeds to the next interval. At stepS60, whether or not interval<maximum value is right is determined. Ifinterval<maximum value is right at step S60, the process is terminated,and if interval<maximum value is not right at step S60, the processreturns to step S52. Specifically, until the number of measuringintervals reaches a measurement termination number, the determinationsand processes of steps S52 to S60 are repeated and if the measurementtermination number is reached, the process is terminated.

As described above, by measuring the interval of the reproduced sound,the tempo and the cyclic property are measured so as to recognize thekind of the music corresponding to the tempo and cyclic property. As aresult, the sound field can be added to the reproduced soundcorresponding to the music. Further, it is possible to generate a rhythmcorresponding to the above measured tempo and superimpose it on thereproduced sound.

8. Description of an Operation for Rhythm Synchronization According tothe Present Invention

An operation of the rhythm synchronization to be executed according tothe aforementioned flow chart of FIG. 9 will be described with referenceto FIGS. 10A, 10B.

First, referring to FIG. 10A, rhythm synchronization of a case when areproduced sound comes earlier than estimation will be described. TheCPU 6 carries out estimation a of a reproduced sound b. The estimation aincludes an allowable error 40. If an early deviation 41 in time occursin the reproduced sound b with respect to this estimation a, at the timeof the estimation a of an occurrence of the deviation 41, the CPU 6recognizes that deviation and corrects it. At the time of the estimationa of the occurrence of the deviation 41, an appropriate rhythm dcorrected so as to be earlier corresponding to the deviation isgenerated.

Next, in FIG. 10B, rhythm synchronization of a case when the reproducedsound comes later than estimation will be described. The CPU 6 carriesout the estimation a of the reproduced sound b. The estimation aincludes an allowable error 42. When a later deviation 43 in time occursin the reproduced sound b with respect to the estimation a, at the timeof the estimation a of an occurrence of the deviation 43, the rhythm ddeviates from the reproduced sound b because it occurs earliercorresponding to the estimation a. However, the CPU 6 recognizes thedeviation in this period and corrects it, so that at the time of nextestimation a of the occurrence of the deviation 43, an appropriaterhythm d corrected so as to be later in time corresponding to thedeviation is generated.

As a result, even if the interval of the reproduced sound deviates, thedeviation is corrected by the rhythm synchronization and by generating arhythm corresponding to this corrected tempo, the rhythm can besuperimposed on the reproduced sound in synchronism therewith.

9. Description of an Operation for Detecting a Cyclic Pattern Accordingto the Present Invention

Next, an operation for detecting the cyclic pattern to be executedaccording to the flow chart of FIG. 9 will be described with referenceto FIG. 11.

In FIG. 11, at the sampling of the previous time 44, the interval of thereproduced sound is detected as indicated by the hatched portions. Avacant space indicates that there is no sound.

In FIG. 11, although the interval of the reproduced sound is detected asindicated by the hatched portions at the sampling of the current time45, if the interval of the reproduced sound at the sampling of thecurrent time 45 is compared with the interval of the reproduced sound atthe sampling of the previous time 44 by shifting the interval thereof,it is made evident that there is a portion acting as a criterion forrepeating the interval of the reproduced sound like the sampling of theprevious time 44. This portion is a portion which becomes the cyclicpattern 46. Depending on the number of sounds of this cyclic pattern 46,presence/absence of continuation of the sound, interval or length of thecyclic pattern 46 or the like, it is possible to determine the kind ofmusic such as jazz, rock, Latin, fusion, classic, dance music, ballad,16-beat and the like or melody thereof.

In this manner, not only the cyclic property of sound but also the kindof the music are determined in time to the tempo. For a music having astrong beat or a music which goes round having a quick reference cyclicpattern, the sound field can be controlled so as to be violent. On thecontrary, in a music having a mild stream or a music which goes round ata slow reference cyclic pattern, the sound field can be controlled so asto be soft.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, thecharacteristic (genre) of music can be recognized according to thedifference value of the envelope value of the reproduced signal and bysuperimposing an effect sound on the recognized music in accordancetherewith, a change of music can be expressed by rhythm of thesuperimposed effect sound, so that dynamism of music can be appealed tothe user strongly.

Consequently, demonstration effect at a retailer store can be improved.Further, because the present invention can be realized by improving thesoftware while a configuration of the hardware is maintained to be likeconventional art, there is an advantage that no rise of production costoccurs. Therefore, additional value of the reproducing apparatus of theembodiment can be improved.

Further, in the reproducing apparatus of the embodiment, as describedabove, a particular tempo is detected from the difference value and thesound source generated by the sound source generating means is switchedcorresponding to the particular tempo. Thus, in strong beat music, aviolent effect sound can be superimposed and on the contrary, in mildstream music, a soft effect sound can be superimposed.

Further, in the reproducing apparatus of the first embodiment, the soundsource generated by the sound source generating means has a low soundand a high sound of the same tone. Thus, it is possible to superimpose awide range of the effect sounds with the low sound and the high sound ofthe same tone.

Further, in the reproducing apparatus of the first embodiment, becausethe mask setting time is provided between the previous and present timesaccording to whether or not the difference value is larger than apredetermined value, by setting the mask setting time so as to berelatively long when the difference value is large, a dynamic effectsound having a large impact like a stop motion can be superimposed. Onthe contrary, by setting the mask setting time so as to be relativelyshort when the difference value is small, a mild and smooth sound effectsound can be superimposed.

Further, in the reproducing apparatus of the second embodiment, becausethe tone of the sound source generated by the sound source generatingmeans can be selected at random using the random number, as compared toa case in which a particular tone is superimposed, an effect sound notpredictability can be superimposed.

According to the second embodiment, the characteristic of music can berecognized according to the difference value of the envelope value, andby activating an image corresponding to the recognized music, a changeof music can be expressed in the form of animation, so that dynamism ofmusic can be appealed to user strongly.

Consequently, demonstration effect at a retailer store can be improved.Further, because the present invention can be realized by improving thesoftware while a configuration of the hardware is maintained to be likeconventional art, there is an advantage that no rise of production costoccurs. Therefore, additional value of the display device of thisembodiment can be improved.

Further, in the display device of the second embodiment, as describedabove, a particular tempo is detected from the difference value and apattern displayed on the display unit 14 as the display means isswitched corresponding to the particular tempo. Therefore, if a strongbeat music is produced, a violent motion animation can be displayed, andif a mild music is produced, a soft motion animation can be displayed.

Further, in the display device of the second embodiment, a patterndisplayed on the display unit 14 as a display means is repeatedly at apredetermined frequency. Thus, by repeating the pattern of an animationdisplayed at the frequency of a tempo appearing continuously in music,the characteristic of the music can be expressed by repeating of theanimation.

Further, in the display device of the second embodiment, a mask settingtime is provided between the previous and present times according towhether the difference value is larger or smaller than a predeterminedvalue. Thus, by setting the mask setting time so as to be relativelylong when the difference value is large, a dynamic animation motionhaving a large impact can be expressed just like a stop motion. On thecontrary, by setting the mask setting time so as to be relatively shortwhen the difference value is small, a mild and smooth animation motioncan be expressed.

Further, in the display device of the second embodiment, the displayunit 14 as the display means is so constructed as to be capable ofselecting a case for displaying a pattern or a case for displayingspectrum corresponding to a sound range. Thus, the conventional spectrumanalyzer display can be performed selectively as well as the animationdisplay.

Further, according to the third embodiment, the characteristic (genre)of music can be recognized according to the difference value of theenvelope value of a reproduced signal reproduced by the reproducingapparatus, and by superimposing a rhythm on the recognized music inaccordance therewith, a change of music can be expressed by thesuperimposed rhythm, so that dynamism of music can be appealed to theuser strongly.

Consequently, demonstration effect at a retailer store can be improved.Further, because the present invention can be realized by improving thesoftware while a configuration of the software is maintained to be likeconventional art, there is an advantage that no rise of production costoccurs. Therefore, additional value of the reproducing apparatus of theembodiment can be improved.

Further, in the reproducing apparatus of the third embodiment, in theapparatus described above, the CPU 6 as the tempo measuring meansobtains an interval between a previous time and a present time from thedifference value and measures the tempo according to the interval.Therefore, by accumulating sound intervals integer times a referenceinterval, the tempo can be measured according thereto to thereby obtainthe same kind of tempo.

Further, in the reproducing apparatus of the third embodiment, in theapparatus described above, the rhythm generator 18 as a rhythm soundsource generating means generates a rhythm pattern at the tempo measuredaccording to the interval. Therefore, in a strong beat music, a violentrhythm can be superimposed and on the contrary, in a mild stream music,a soft rhythm can be superimposed.

Further, in the reproducing apparatus of the third embodiment, in theapparatus described above, a mask setting time is provided between theprevious time and the present time when the difference value is largerthan a predetermined value. Therefore, by setting the mask setting timewhen the difference value is large, a dynamic rhythm superimposinghaving a large impact can be achieved just like a stop motion. On thecontrary, by setting no mask setting time when the difference value issmall, a mild and smooth rhythm superimposing can be achieved.

Further, in the reproducing apparatus of the third embodiment, in theapparatus described above, a deviation in time relative to the tempo forgeneration of a rhythm pattern in the rhythm generator 18 as a rhythmsound source generating means is corrected. Therefore, even if theinterval of a reproduced sound deviates, by correcting the deviation bysynchronization of the rhythm so as to generate a rhythm correspondingto this corrected tempo, the rhythm can be superimposed on thereproduced sound in synchronism therewith.

According to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, thecharacteristic of music can be recognized according to the differencevalue of the envelope value, and by controlling the sound field of musiccorresponding to the recognized music, a change of music can beexpressed by sound field control, so that dynamism of music can beappealed to the user strongly.

Consequently, demonstration effect at a retailer store can be improved.Further, because the apparatus can be realized by improving the softwarewhile a configuration of the software is maintained to be likeconventional art, there is an advantage that no rise of production costoccurs. Therefore, additional value of the reproducing apparatus of theembodiment can be improved.

Further, in the reproducing apparatus of the fourth embodiment, the CPU6 as the tempo measuring means obtains an interval between a previoustime and a present time from the difference value and measures the tempoaccording to the interval. Therefore, by accumulating sound intervalsinteger times the reference interval, the tempo can be measuredaccording thereto so as to obtain the same kind of tempo and hence thesound field of reproduced music can be controlled.

Further, in the reproducing apparatus of the fourth embodiment, in theapparatus described above, the CPU 6 as a cyclic property detectingmeans obtains an interval between a previous time and a present timefrom the difference value so as to detect the cyclic property based onthe interval. Thus, by detecting a cyclic pattern acting as a referenceand then detecting a same pattern as this reference cyclic pattern, thecyclic property of music can be obtained, so that the sound field ofmusic to be reproduced can be controlled according to a difference ofthe cyclic property detected.

Further, the reproducing apparatus of the fourth embodiment, in theapparatus described above, there is provided a CPU 6 as a musicdetermining means for determining the kind of music of the audio signalbased on the tempo information from the CPU 6 as the tempo measuringmeans and the cyclic property information from the CPU 6 as the cyclicproperty detecting means, in which the control on the sound fieldcorresponding to the audio signal in the sound source DSP 19 as thesound field control means is changed according to the kind of musicdetermined by the music determining means. Thus, for a music having astrong beat or a music which goes round having a quick reference cyclicpattern, the sound field can be controlled so as to be violent. On thecontrary, for a music having a mild stream or a music which goes roundat a slow reference cyclic pattern, the sound field can be controlled soas to be soft.

Further, in the reproducing of the fourth embodiment, in the apparatusdescribed above, the sound source DSP 19 as the sound field controllingmeans is a graphic equalizer and the sound field for the audio signal inthe graphic equalizer is controlled according to the kind of musicdetermined by the music determining means. Thus, by making the frequencycharacteristic variable by the graphic equalizer according to the kindor melody of music, the sound field of the music can be controlled byusing various patterns. Further, the sound field controlling means mayadd a sound field effect by surround or add a sound field effect of aconcert hall, theater or the like famous in excellent sound effect.

The present invention is capable of providing a reproducing apparatusincluding all the configurations of the first embodiment to fourthembodiment or a reproducing apparatus provided with various combinationsthereof.

Having described preferred embodiments of the invention with referenceto the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the inventionis not limited to those precise embodiments and that various changes andmodifications could be effected therein by one skilled in the artwithout departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as definedin the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A reproducing apparatus comprising: a banddividing means for dividing an input audio signal to a plurality ofbands; an envelope detecting means for detecting an envelope value atevery band divided by said band dividing means; a first memory means forholding an envelope value detected by said envelope detecting means atevery band; a second memory means for holding the envelope value storedin said first memory means by shift in time series at every band; anoperation means for calculating a difference value between a presentenvelope value stored in said first memory means and a previous envelopevalue stored in said second memory means; an image memory means forstoring a plurality of display patterns; a display means for displayinga display pattern read out from said image memory means; and an imagememory control means for switching a display pattern generated from saidimage memory means based on a difference value calculated by saidoperation means.
 2. The reproducing apparatus according to claim 1,further comprising a tempo measuring means for measuring a particulartempo based on a difference value calculated by said operation means andwherein said image memory control means switches a display patterngenerated by said image memory means based on a tempo detected by saidtempo detecting means.
 3. The reproducing apparatus according to claim1, wherein said image memory control means includes a comparing meansfor comparing whether or not said difference value is larger than apredetermined value and a mask time setting means for setting a firstmask time when it is determined that said difference value is largerthan a predetermined value by said comparing means and for setting asecond mask time which is shorter than the first mask time when it isdetermined that said difference value is smaller than the predeterminedvalue by said comparing means, a masking period set by said mask timesetting means being controlled not so as to switch a display pattern. 4.The reproducing apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a modeswitching means for switching between a first display mode for carrymgout a display on said display means based on the difference valuecalculated by said operation means and a second display mode for makinga spectrum display corresponding to a sound range.
 5. A reproducingapparatus comprising: a band dividing means for dividing an input audiosignal to a plurality of bands; an envelope detecting means fordetecting an envelope value at every band divided by said band dividingmeans; a first memory means for holding an envelope value detected bysaid envelope detecting means at every band; a second memory means forholding the envelope value stored in said first memory means by shift intime series at every band; an operation means for calculating adifference value between a present envelope value stored in said firstmemory means and a previous envelope value stored in said second memorymeans at every band; a tempo measuring means for measuring a tempo basedon a difference value calculated by said operation means; a rhythm soundsource generating means for generating plural kinds of rhythm patterns;a synthesizing means for synthesizing said input audio signal with arhythm pattern generated by said rhythm sound source generating means;and a rhythm sound source generation control means for synchronizing arhythm sound source generated from said rhythm sound source generatingmeans with said input audio signal based on a tempo information fromsaid tempo measuring means.
 6. The reproducing apparatus according toclaim 5, wherein said tempo measuring means calculates an intervalbetween a present difference value and a previous difference valuecalculated by said operation means and measures a tempo based on acalculated interval.
 7. The reproducing apparatus according to claim 6,further comprising a comparing means for comparing whether or not adifference value calculated by said operation means is larger than apredetermined value, and wherein when it is determined that saiddifference value is larger than the predetermined value by saidcomparing means, a mask time is set and an interval between thecalculated present difference value and a previous difference value isstored.
 8. The reproducing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein saidrhythm sound source generation control means corrects a timing of rhythmpattern generation based on a tempo measured by said tempo measuringmeans.
 9. A reproducing apparatus comprising: a band dividing means fordividing an input audio signal to a plurality of bands; an envelopedetecting means for detecting an envelope value at every band divided bysaid band dividing means; a first memory means for holding an envelopevalue detected by said envelope detecting means at every band; a secondmemory means for holding the envelope value stored in said first memorymeans by shift in time series at every band; an operation means forcalculating a difference value between a present envelope value storedin said first memory means and a previous envelope value stored in saidsecond memory means; a tempo measuring means for measuring a tempo basedon a difference value calculated by said operation means; a cyclicproperty detecting means for detecting a cyclic property of an audiosignal input based on a difference value calculated by said operationmeans; and a melody determining means for determining a melody of theinput audio signal based on both cyclic property information detected bysaid cyclic property detecting means and tempo information measured bysaid tempo measuring means.
 10. The reproducing apparatus according toclaim 9 further comprising a sound field setting means for setting asound field and a sound field setting control means for switching asound field set by said sound field setting means based on a melodydetermined by said melody determining means.
 11. The reproducingapparatus according to claims 9, wherein said tempo measuring meanscalculates an interval between a present difference value and a previousdifference value calculated by said operation means and measures a tempobased on a calculated interval.
 12. The reproducing apparatus accordingto claim 9 wherein said cyclic property detecting means calculates aninterval between a present difference value and a previous differencevalue calculated by said operation means and measures a cyclic propertybased on a calculated interval.
 13. The reproducing apparatus accordingto claim 9 further comprising a comparing means for comparing whether ornot a difference value calculated by said operation means is larger thana predetermined value, and wherein when it is determined that saiddifference value is larger than the predetermined value by saidcomparing means, a mask time is set and an interval between thecalculated present difference value and previous difference value isstored.
 14. The reproducing apparatus according to claim 10, whereinsaid sound field setting means changes a characteristic of a graphicequalizer based on a melody determined by said melody determining means.